Predictors of Leak After Colorectal Anastomoses: a Case Series Analysis

Anastomotic leak (AL) is a major morbid complication after colorectal surgery. There are only few articles to find the predictors of leak after colorectal anastomoses that have been published in the literature. The aim of this study is to identify different predictors for colorectal AL in Indian set up. Historical data were collected from the hospital record of patients from June 2005 to April 2014. In prospective period, from May 2014 to February 2016, colorectal surgery patients were recruited to collect the data. Various preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative factors for AL were analyzed using Student’s t test and Chi square test. The p value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant for all results. The AL rate was 9.1%. The predictors for AL were comorbidities like cerebrovascular accident (CVA) (p < 0.05), alcohol intake and smoking habit (p = 0.006), preoperative low albumin (AL in 21.2%), emergency surgery (AL in 25% with p = 0.016), jejuno-colic anastomosis − 1/1 (100%), and maximum AL in ligation of ileocolic artery (p = 0.019). History of CVA, smoking, alcohol, hypoalbuminemia, emergency surgery, type of surgery, and high artery ligation have significant role in causing AL in a patient of colorectal surgery. Raised temperature and tachycardia are the significant clinical signs to diagnose AL after colorectal surgery.